From Harbhajan's magic in Colombo to Chahal's record-breaking spell in Bengaluru, here’s how India spun England into a web of trouble
The T20I format is a fast-paced fight in which every ball may alter the outcome of a game, and the pressure is frequently merciless. Over the years, India has demonstrated its mettle in this format, with their ability to crush the English side being particularly notable. As the two teams prepare for their Upcoming T20I series starting from January 22, let’s go back and look at four occasions when India held England to less than 130 runs in T20Is. The stats are startling, highlighting India’s spin supremacy and harsh attack. Here’s the story behind those memorable innings:
The stage was set in Colombo for an encounter between two T20 cricket powerhouses, but India seized control from the outset. England’s pursuit of a modest 171 was within grasp, but Harbhajan Singh had other ideas. The seasoned spinner was at his best, grabbing 4/12 and reducing England to 80 all out in 14.4 overs.
Despite a few critical absences from India’s squad, they performed admirably at spin bowling. India’s win by 90 runs embarrassed England, proving their repeated weakness to spin. Harbhajan’s performance in that match remains a highlight in India’s T20I history since the victory secured their spot in the Super Eights.
India’s semi-final vs England in the 2024 T20 World Cup was unforgettable. England’s aspirations were crushed when they were bowled out for only 103 while chasing 172. Axar Patel (3/23) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) produced a stunning exhibition of spin bowling that baffled the English batters.
With a low total to defend, India displayed how strong their bowling attack could be at crucial times. The English batters were spooked as they failed to deal with the Indian spinners’ variations and precision. India’s supremacy was evident as they dismissed England for 103 in 16.4 overs, securing a dominating 68-run victory.
In the second T20I of the 2022 series at Birmingham, India set a difficult total of 171 for England. Despite a good start, the English pursuit gradually unravelled. Bhuvneshwar Kumar shined with the ball for India, taking 3/15, helped by the outstanding Jasprit Bumrah (2/10) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/10). The Indian bowlers dismissed England for 121, winning by 49 runs.
Despite the tiny target, England was unable to break India’s siege. Bhuvneshwar’s early breakthroughs put England on the back foot, and they never recovered. India’s offensive displayed its capacity to defend even moderate totals with surgical accuracy to the world.
The 2017 T20I encounter between India and England in Bengaluru was dominated by spin. After reaching a competitive total of 202, India faced England’s fearsome batting order. But Yuzvendra Chahal had other plans.
Chahal was untouchable, ending with 6/25, the best T20I bowling stats by an Indian. The English batting fell spectacularly, as they were knocked out for 127. Chahal’s variations and fly surprised the English batters, resulting in five ducks in the innings, illustrating England’s weakness with spin. India cruised to a 75-run victory to take the series 3-0, leaving England stunned.
